DE SB123

Allows persons convicted of crimes under Title 11 or 16 who are incarcerated at Level V to discharge court-ordered fines and costs through earned credits from work, education, or rehabilitation programs instead of cash payment.

Court must calculate the required work hours at the time of sentencing using the prevailing state minimum wage as the hourly rate to determine how many hours are needed to discharge the financial obligation.

Department of Correction establishes and manages the earned credits programs through rules and regulations; programs must be exclusively funded and operated by the state, county, municipal, or non-profit entities within Delaware.

Department of Correction awards earned credits concurrently with wages or good time credits, and certifies completion to the court, which then treats the obligation as satisfied without counting it as a court receivable.

Earned credit programs may only discharge fines and costs from criminal convictions, not other financial obligations such as restitution, child support, or bail; applies retroactively to persons convicted before the act's effective date.